Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
